Photos and text copyright Romping and Rolling in the Rockies 2009-2017.

All photographs and text within this blog are copyrighted.

You may not copy or repost any photos or text without specific permission from the author of this blog. When in doubt, please ask.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Post-Migraine: A rejuvenating post from our desert days

I am finally emerging from my worst migraine and GI event in about a year. I got too confident in my body, and I pushed the limit on what I can eat. I learned my lesson the hard way.

I've spent far too long lying in bed with the covers over my head. Although I don't write about it too much, my spine is still a big issue. I have a 3 level surgical fusion in my lower back and a 4 level surgical fusion in my neck. Lying still for a long time leaves me in agony, with every back muscle in spasm plus pain radiating down my legs. So, now that I can eat and look at my computer again, my spine feels horrendous. I can't even stand up straight.

To get out of the "woe is me" mode, I thought that I remember a typical day from our idyllic time in the desert. Most mornings, there'd be a breeze and I loved capturing Shyla's "Flying Nun" look at the start of our ride together.

She'd get much happier as soon as we started running!

It was warm but not hot - perfect for playing!

After Shyla's run, I'd head out for a spin on my own through some pretty rugged terrain. I had tons of fun this year, riding my Specialized fattie, which is a bike with a very soft suspension (good for my spine) and 3" wide tires (great for traction). I love this bike!

Then, after a good ride, I'd head back to camp. You can see the LabMobile down in the basin.

After some relaxation and maybe a bike ride by the Runner (while I puppy-sat), we'd go for a sunset hike. We loved walking in the labyrinth of washes below the basin where our LabMobile sat. "Washes" are essentially dry and sandy river beds. When a big rain storm comes through, they can rapidly become deep rivers with fast moving water.

Then, we'd climb up to what we've dubbed "Shyla's Mesa" to watch the sunset and let the dogs run.

This year, unlike previous ones, R absolutely refused to be left out of the sunset photo shoots. If I didn't include him, he made his opinion known so loudly that it would echo off the cliff walls on either side of us!

I do have to admit that sunset light is best for chocolate fur (don't tell R!). I love how it glows!

After the sun was lower in the sky, I'd watch it turn the cliffs red.

And the labyrinth of small mesas and washes looked magical under the flowing clouds.

Finally, dusk would fall as we had dinner. Do you see the tiny moon in the top of the photo? That's the "Bear Moon", named in memory of a very special dog for whom I took this photo.
That was a rejuvenating post for me to write. It reminded me that I will feel strong again soon, and we have many more adventures planned for the coming months. I can't wait!

22 comments:

  1. Hari OM
    it refreshed me too!!! Right now, looking out my window, the hills I can usually rest my eyes upon are shrouded in Scotch-mist... or possibly a cloud which took a wrong turn. Thanks for the dose of sunshine!!! YAM xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. We love your flying nun ears, Shyla, and we are glad to hear that you're feeling a bit better, KB!

    ReplyDelete
  3. stunning views and the pups are always gorgeous. sorry you have the back issues plus the migraine. feel better soon I hope

    ReplyDelete
  4. Looks like Shyla has
    adapted to her "running shoes" we are glad she is able to run
    while not concerned with encountering mean people.

    I hope you are able to share R's photos with the dr's
    They make us smile knowing he is back running.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gorgeous views, and skies. The dogs look like they had a blast, but of course they would.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Such a gorgeous home away from home. I'm glad you're feeling better!

    ReplyDelete
  7. We are sure glad the all better is finding you and thanks for sharing those magical photos!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Such beautiful times!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

    ReplyDelete
  9. Gosh you poor thing. It seems like mountain biking would be the worse thing for you. Nothing like the desert beauty
    Lily & Edward

    ReplyDelete
  10. I really do hope you feel better. There is nothing worse than being down for the count and then being sore from it after.

    Love the photos, I find photographing the D-Dog challenging, with her dark fur, but every once in a while, I get a good shot. You've got photographing dark furred dogs down to a science. Love the way their fur shines.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I think you are terribly brave and obviously have tremendous willpower; I pulled one little muscle in my chest while moving last week, and have been unproductive and whiney ever since. Reading your post helped me put things in perspective and get my butt in gear! Hang in there - you are right, things will get better soon :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. It must be a whole lot warmer, no muffs on the handlebars. Bootees on all her feet!!! And those colours as the sun changes direction. Hope you are feeling a huge lot better now, and I'm sure you have tried everything for muscle spasms. Horrendous is maybe an understatement. XXX from an almost cold morning down here. ( that means no frost but have lit the fire) !!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Makes her aches seem so minor. Just keep thinking of the desert fun. And planning more trips. Just keep enjoying the labs and wildlife in the meantime.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wonderful photos and glad they helped you look forward to better days
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

    ReplyDelete
  15. We are happy to hear the migraine has abated, but what a shame that your rest leaves you with such discomfort and pain. We hope you are up and riding the trails tomorrow. Your photos bring great joy to us.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have terrible back problems too and I could never do what you do. A big tip of the hat to you. You are one fierce woman.

    ReplyDelete
  17. It made me smile to read that R now insists on being part of the sunset photographs. That's right, R, you've worked very, very hard to be fit and able to do All The Things - step right up! :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. It seems as if R's personality has blossomed! I am so sorry to hear of your health struggles. I am going on a couple of months now and it is quite tiring. I cannot tell you how much I LOVE all of those gorgeous western skies and red rocks! Breathtaking!! Hope you feel better and stronger each day.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Yes, you WILL feel better soon, KB, and then it will be time to romp once again. But, for now, rest... it does a body good. xoxo ~Andrea

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hope you feel better soon. That sounds so painful and frustrating! Gorgeous photos that would make anyone feel better I think.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh man! You've had quite the week! I am so sorry! Sendin' lots of healin' vibes and POTP and slobbery kisses ☺
    OMD, those pics are just FABulous!!!! I just can't gets enough of them! I would like to stowe away next time....
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

    ReplyDelete
  22. Your photos are exquisite. Hope you're back to feeling 100%. What a sweet ride!

    ReplyDelete

If you are a Blogger registered user, you can skip the step asking you to verify that you are not a spammer. For posts older than 5 days, I have comment moderation turned on.

Thanks for your comments!!!!!